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Achieve a Post-Vacation Glow With These Expert-Backed Illuminating Primers
Minimal effort required.
The best part of watching a makeup tutorial is witnessing how the right combination of products can transform your skin in just a matter of minutes. Foundation can conceal your most stubborn scars or redness, while concealer can camouflage the evidence of any late-night social media scrolling (guilty!). Perhaps the most alluring part of a makeup routine is how one particular unassuming base product can keep it all in place: primer.
“Primers are a product that ‘prep’ or ‘prime’ the skin for foundation; they create a smoother surface for easier, even application, and help lock makeup in place for long wear. Today, many primers are formulated with ingredients that offer additional benefits, addressing specific needs such as mattifying, hydrating, etc,” says David Razzano, makeup artist and Sephora beauty director. Beyond these benefits, illuminating primers can especially impart a glow that radiates through each layer.
Our picks for the best illuminating primers of 2025
“An illuminating primer will add a radiant finish to the skin, while also smoothing and locking makeup in place. Usually, these types of primers have a touch of a reflective pigment within, so the radiant light will bounce off the skin and create an ‘illuminated’ effect,” Razzano adds. Not for the faint of heart, illuminating primers enhance your base routine to provide a “lit from within look.” You’ll get radiance from the primer, and when you apply your foundation on top, the light will glow from under the foundation, creating a soft, ethereal finish,” he continues.
Many of the formulas on the market offer sophisticated glowy finishes that look more sunkissed and less like the glittery veil of Twilight’s Edward Cullen. With summer on the horizon, fake a fresh-from-vacation glow with these 12 expert-approved illuminating primers, culled from Razzano’s and ELLE editors’ personal beauty bags with help from glowing customer reviews—pun intended.
Pros
- Lightweight texture
Cons
- May not be best for oily skin
While this illuminator creates a pearly base for makeup, its sheen looks even better when lightly dusted down the neck and along the décolletage. The pink tint is universally flattering and blends seamlessly into the skin, rather than sitting on top.
Size: 1 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 3.3/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This is a great product. First, it smells like roses. But most importantly, it gave my skin a wonderful luminosity. Even other people noticed. And I have older skin. I'm very happy with my purchase.”
Fans of the OG Hydrogrip will adore its shimmering younger sister. She has the same grip and hydrating properties as her predecessor, just with a light-reflecting pearlescent finish that remains intact for hours.
Size: 1 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.1/5 stars
Our expert says: “The iconic Hydro grip primer now has got some glow to it! It adds a boost of extended hydration, while seriously locking makeup in place and adding that gorgeous glow, with reflecting pearls as an ingredient. The radiance is universal and will look beautiful on all skin tones.”–David Razzano, makeup artist and Sephora beauty director
Pros
- Multiple shades
Cons
- Can feel sticky
Are you truly a makeup fan if your arsenal doesn’t at least have one product from makeup whisperer Kevin Aucoin’s offerings? If you’re looking for the perfect place to start, this illuminating primer is worth your attention. Not only does it come in a slew of golden shades, but it also conditions the skin with passionfruit and marula oil.
Size: 1 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Over the years, as I deepened my knowledge of makeup, I started to value quality formulas over buzzy ones. Already a proud owner of a Kevyn Aucoin concealer, I added this illuminator to my routine and never looked back. Rain, shine, cold or hot, a light brush of this formula to my cheeks helps create the perfect balance of dewy cheeks and matte everywhere else.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
Pros
- Can be used as blush and highlighter
Cons
- Some users find it difficult to build pigment
The best thing about this formula lies within its name—enhancer. An illuminator this good shouldn’t only be relegated to priming when it works beautifully as a blush, bronzer, highlighter, and so much more.
Size: 0.6 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This is the most beautiful color and has light shimmer, elegant, long-lasting, and easy to remove. It truly colors with no demarcation and works with any makeup beneath.”
Pros
- Plumps and nourishes the skin
Cons
- Sheer coverage
Unlike other illuminating primers that simply enhance your glow, this one goes the extra mile to plump (using hyaluronic acid) and nourish (thanks to glycerin and shea butter).
Size: 0.85 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our expert says: “This luxurious primer feels so soft and smooth on the skin – you will love it! Packed with Hyaluronic Acid, this primer will deliver moisture throughout the day, and the illuminating pearls will create a soft, natural glow to the skin. It comes in two shades: ‘Rosa’ for Fair to Light complexion, and ‘Ambra’ for Medium to Deep complexion.”—DR
Pros
- Skin tone shades
Cons
- Some users note it can feel a little thick
If a bronze, sunkissed glow is what you're after, Kosas has the remedy. This formula comes in 10 shades that complement a range of skin tones, featuring ingredients that brighten and hydrate.
Size: 1 fl oz
Revolve rating: 3.2/5 stars
A Revolve reviewer says: “Absolutely love that it evens out skin with a bit of bronzing.”
Pros
- Sun protection
Cons
- Some users dislike the strong fragrance
Chasing a summer glow is one thing, but protecting your skin in the process is even better. Nars’ Radiance Primer is designed to give you a radiant finish while offering broad-spectrum protection—SPF 35, to be exact. Furthermore, the oil-free formula won’t clog pores, so acneic skin can glow, too.
Size: 1 fl oz
Nars rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Nars reviewer says: “I use this product as a primer before putting on my foundation. It is amazing- makes my foundation go on smoothly, while giving me SPF protection! It leaves a nice glow.”
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Some users note that it can pill
Dryness is no match for Rare Beauty’s illuminating primer, which conditions the skin with glycerin as a botanical blend, comprised of white lily and gardenia.
Size: 0.94 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars
Our expert says: “This is a gel-based primer is weightless, yet smoothing. The ultra-fine pearls within have a soft radiance, which is perfect for any age. It pairs wonderfully with skin tints and lightweight foundations.”—DR
Pros
- Primes and moisturizes
Cons
- Dispenser can be faulty
Victoria Beckham’s chic, clean-girl beauty approach meets Augustinus Bader’s sophisticated, science-backed formulas in this skin care-makeup hybrid. The formula primes and moisturizes with help from Augustinus Bader signature TC08 complex, which combines peptides, vitamins, and amino acids to rejuvenate the skin.
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Augustinus Bader rating: 4.9/5 stars
An Augustinus Bader reviewer says: “I love it. Love the color and how it feels putting it on my face. Blends in beautifully. Doesn’t feel heavy at all. Will def buy it again.”
Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Universal Radiant
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May not be best for oily skin
Where the OG Blurring Blam left a natural, matte, airbrushed finish, the radiant version achieves the same effect with a touch more sheen and a pearlescent veil.
Size: 0.63 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
Our expert says: “This is a unique and innovative product within the category of primers. The formula is a ‘balm to powder’ primer that instantly blurs out uneven texture and imperfections, while prepping skin for foundation. It gained a cult status in its original matte finish and now it comes in Universal radiant, which has a soft golden pearl – perfect for illuminating the skin. Plus, this primer is good for all skin types, especially normal to oily skin. If you struggle with excess oil, you can now achieve that soft radiance without the need to add powder.”—DR
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Sheer coverage
An ELLE editor favorite, the Glowy Super Gel has also built a legion of followers for its lightweight, glow-inducing formula that works well under makeup or swirled into your go-to moisturizer.
Size: 1 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I don’t always want a glowing base, but on the days I do, this is the formula I reach for. I adore Saie’s products because they’re intentionally designed to be safe for acne-prone skin like mine. The Glowy Super Gel is subtle enough for an everyday soft glow, or can be built up for full-glam finishes.”—NP
Pros
- Depuffing
Cons
- Sheer coverage
Buy for the radiant priming effects, keep for the built-in massager. Niacinamide and glycerin are the stars of the product, both working to brighten and hydrate the skin as the roller applicator sculpts.
Size: 1.4 fl oz
Sephora rating: 3.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This primer offers such a soft, subtle sheen that elevates even the simplest makeup look. Beyond that, I'm more obsessed with the roller applicator, which depuffs and sculpts the skin for a more flawless finish.”—NP
When would you use a primer and what are best practices?
True to its function, primers prep the skin for subsequent products to stick to. “Primers can be used daily; they are mostly lightweight and will often allow you to use less foundation, while also smoothing the skin, and helping makeup adhere,” Razzano explains. As such, you don’t want to apply an excessive amount to avoid pilling or separating your foundation and concealer.
“Less is more when it comes to primer. Use a small amount, so you can apply a thin, even layer in the center of the face and then blend it outward towards the edges. You can use your fingers to help blend the product easily, but a makeup brush is also a good way to apply, if preferred. A damp sponge is not the best tool for primer application, so be sure to save those for your foundations and concealers,” he adds.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose interviewed a Sephora beauty director to determine the best illuminating primers on the market and best practices.
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